Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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72. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to extend the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51142/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact, which is why I announced an extension of six months to February 2026 to allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps.

I have begun to undertake consultations. This has included the convening of a Consultative Committee which draws from across Government and online public consultation closed on 5 September with over 17,000 submissions received 97% of which were in favour of BIA being continued. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September with around 200 artists and arts representative organisations.

The pilot is underpinned by a comprehensive research programme. I recently published a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme which found that BIA recipients, compared to those not in receipt of the BIA:

- are 6 percentage points more likely to have worked in the arts

- spend on average 11 weekly hours more on their creative practice

- are 14 percentage points more likely to have completed new works in the previous six months

- invest more financially in their practice

- are better able to afford basic necessities and have higher life satisfaction

- are 15 percentage points less likely to have felt downhearted or depressed

- are 16 percentage points less likely to have experienced anxiety

A cost-benefit analysis paper has also just been published. It shows that the BIA produced over €100m in social and economic benefits and for every €1 invested in the pilot society received a return of €1.39. It also finds that recipients’ arts-related income increased by over €500 per month on average. Audience engagement with the arts generated an estimated €16.9 million in social value over the three pilot years.

No decisions on a successor scheme have yet been made. A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention following Budget 2026, assuming funding for a successor is secured, but I have made it clear that I am in favour of a permanent scheme being put in place.